June is just around the corner, and that means that beach and pool season is nearly here! There are endless ways to bring some handmade creations along on your summer adventures. For those who are feeling brave, you can even find beautiful hand dyed bikinis like these ones from Daub + Design! Just slather on the sunscreen first… please!
- This pretty halter is a great choice!
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Blue sky, blue water, blue bikini... sounds like a good choice to me!
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Now maybe you aren’t feeling particularly bikini-ready, but you still like the look of the fabrics… Daub + Design has some beautiful lightweight scarves or tights that would be a great accent to any outfit.
- A summer feel, but perfect any time of year!
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When the sun starts shining and the mercury starts to rise, I know that many of us feel like our wardrobe needs a little freshening up… so why do we end up wearing the same bathing suit year after year? (or maybe that’s just me). Why not make your beach attire as unique and personal as you are, and take a little handmade goodness to the beach this year? Check out the Daub + Design Cargoh Store to see what is available!
~dreaming of warm sand between my toes, and a cold drink with an umbrella in it…
Jennifer
Everyone has different aspects of their personality, even if they don’t often get to see the light of day. Right now I am usually wearing my “busy working mother” hat, with the occasional “goofy friend” or “cheesy romantic wife” thrown in for good measure. But lately I am missing a few other sides of myself. I am currently working on re-introducing myself to the “adventuring traveler”, and maybe someday I’ll have the time to get reacquainted with the “wistful daydreamer” who used to hang out for hours in the branches of a favorite tree.
It is she, the wistful daydreamer who would feel perfectly carefree and at ease in the beautiful bohemian inspired clothing from the Barefoot Modiste.
It has a hippie feel without being shapeless, and the fabrics are lovely
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Milli is a self-taught seamstress who calls Edmonton home. She started sewing at the tender age of eight, and hasn’t looked back since. You can sometimes see the influence of her African roots in her work, and there is a freewheeling gypsy vibe that brings to mind music, laughter, and stories around a campfire.
- I love the colours, and the fitted top/flowy bottom combination in this skirt!
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This shift dress has such a simple shape, but the African print gives it such energy and personality!
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Milli has a mild obsession with fabrics, and is always on the lookout for fabulous finds that make their way into her pieces. Many of the materials she uses are reclaimed from thrift store or garage sale finds, so you can be sure that anything she makes is truly one of a kind.
- I really like the textures in this skirt, and the mod feel of the shapes on the front!
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You can see more of the Barefoot Modiste’s free-spirited creations in her Etsy shop, or stop in and say “Hi!” on her Facebook page.
~Here’s to embracing all the different sides of our many-faceted selves!
Jennifer
Everyone has a favorite outfit (or two) that never fail to make you feel spectacular, highlight all your best features, and project your personality without saying a single word. Wouldn’t it be great if every piece of clothing we own could make us feel the same way? If I was building this dream wardrobe for myself, there would definitely be several items from Montreal’s Sweetmeat Clothing. The clothes have such a sense of fun, interesting lines, and the soft, stretchy fabrics are comfy enough to wear every single day.
I like the colours, and the asymetrical design.
Pretty, sexy, fun, and still classy!
This dress + kick-butt boots + tights = fabulous outfit!
Lucky Montrealer’s (Montreal-ites?) can head to Perfide at 4217 Notre-Dame West for an up close and personal look at these cool threads. The rest of us must content ourselves with visiting the Etsy shop.
My wish for all of you today: May your closets be filled with clothes that speak to you, and make you feel confident and amazing!
~Jennifer
Kids are cute. Kids dressed up in adorable outfits are extra cute. Kids dressed up in adorable outfits that are unique and special?? Ridiculously cute. So, if you are like me, and enjoy making sure that the little people in your life look ridiculously cute… you may want to check out the hot real estate on Lilikoi Lane. Lilikoi is the hawaiian word for passion fruit, and just like the fruit, their shirts are bright, fresh, and full of life. There are all kinds of designs to choose from, and each one is made to order! Pick the design that you love, then select the colours and sizes to make it just right for your precious little person.
This style is called the Giving Tree. So sweet, and perfect for fall!
This giraffe is so adorable!
Put your little one's initial right on their shirt!
Oh, and just so nobody feels left out, Lilikoi Lane has adult sizes too! From six months, right up to Mom and Dad, everyone can have their very own unique piece. Or, if you prefer, the whole family can match, or have variations on one theme. There are so many possibilities and combinations with these fun and colourful shirts. If you don’t see a template design that suits you, just ask, custom work is always available.
See more at the Lilikoi Lane Etsy shop,or in the online store. You can also follow Crystal (that’s the brains and busy fingers behind the clothes) on Twitter and Facebook!
Have a great day!
~Jennifer
I love this time of year. The days are still comfortably warm (usually), and the nights are cool and clear. It does, however, add an extra challenge when making daily wardrobe choices. How best to be prepared for variable temperatures without taking a whole closet along wherever you go?
A search for comfortable, versatile layering options led me to find Anny May‘s Etsy shop. I immediately loved the drapey soft look of her pieces, and was even more delighted to find that Anny May items are eco-friendly! Everything is made with either recycled or natural/organic fabrics like hemp and bamboo, and they still look fantastic.
This bamboo poncho is perfect to keep the fall chill off your shoulders
Just in case you aren't quite ready to let go of summer just yet...
The texture and detail in this bamboo shawl give it added interest while keeping you warm
Anny May also has fingerless gloves, hats, and fun little flower pins like these:
What an easy way to add a bright accent to any outfit!
Anny May is a multi-talented Quebecois, and has other great Etsy shops for you to check out too! La Chiffonierre focuses on rag dolls, plush items and quilts. Meanwhile, Mayapar is home to kits, patterns and supplies to help you create your own fantastic outfits. You can also stay informed with all of her creative works on her Facebook page.
~Jennifer
There is something extra special about little baby feet. I find them so delectable that it is a shame to cover them up. But, as the temperature drops, I find myself having to put socks and shoes on my little munchkin. While this does make me a little bit sad, I am so glad that there are talented crafty types who make adorable footwear to keep those precious little toes warm and cozy. Right now I am madly in love with these sweet booties from Little Knits on the Prairie. Inspired by the colours (and weather) of Manitoba, these great booties would look fantastic on any baby from coast to coast!
Eeeee! Seriously. Tiny plump little baby feet. In these perfect booties... Cute overload!
Baby needs a matching cardigan and hat to complete the outfit? No problem!
Even the coldest winter days will be no match for these snuggly ankle booties!
There are other products available in the shop as well, like cute headbands and legwarmers. Custom orders are welcome too, just ask!
Little Knits on the prairie has recently joined facebook, so be sure to head over and make her feel welcome. She also has a blog, and of course, the Etsy shop. Rumour has it that there may even be lovely soft knitted clothes for “grown up” ladies sometime in the near future, so stay tuned!
~Jennifer
Update: Amanda now has another shop on Etsy, The Prairie Sparrow, featuring cozy knit cowls, felted bowls and more!
Dear friends of mine welcomed their much-anticipated second child to their family last week, so naturally, I’ve been browsing some of my favourite handmade sites to find the perfect gift. In my web travels tonight, I came across Golly Gee! Baby, and have been debating purchases ever since.
I think I’m destined to like Golly Gee! Baby, partly because the owners are a sister team from just outside of Edmonton (my sister and I write this blog, I live outside of Edmonton. Parallels, people!) Heidi & Christina were inspired by the birth of Christina’s daughter 18 months ago and began creating their line of colourful, fun but functional designs.
Such a perfectly fun little hat!
My friends had a little boy, and I think that he might just need one of these ties. I’m not sure when he’ll wear it, but really, every little man needs a swank tie, right? It’s designed with little hands in mind so it won’t tighten if pulled on, and connects with velcro at the back to keep him safe as well as adjust the size.
For the girls in the crowd, Golly Gee! Baby offers some very sweet bubble dresses that will last your little one through at least one or two growth spurts! Just adjust the tied shoulder straps from sundress to tunic top – I know that our oldest daughter loves wearing her too-short dresses over a pair of jeans or leggings, so these would get a lot of wear at our house. Not to mention the fact that this particular version of the dress has every colour in the rainbow and our 4-year old’s biggest goal in life is to “dress like a rainbow every day”! Wonder if Golly Gee could make this in a Size 4T?
The sisters have a shop chock full of goodies – they also design baby boots & slippers, blankets, change mats, diaper bags & wet bags, cart & chair covers etc.! You can find the full rainbow of Golly Gee! Baby products on Etsy and follow them on Facebook.
Golly Gee! Baby is also half of the team behind a great new craft expo in the Edmonton area – WeeStock held their first event just outside of Edmonton last spring and had a fantastic response. The show is expanding this Fall to more than 100 vendors, all with a family focus! If you’re in the area, save November 20th and drop by the Mayfield Trade Centre for some fantastic handmade goodies.
Enjoy!
~Sarah
Like a lot of women, I never feel like I have enough clothes. I am always on the lookout for something new and fabulous that can make me feel and look my best. It’s even better if it can be a unique piece that can’t be found in every single mall across the country. Lucky for me, while cruising online the other day, I came across Ureshii and fell in love with their soft and gorgeous styles!
Ureshii’s Ebay shop features drapey tops, dresses to flatter any woman’s curves, shrugs, tunic tops and so much more. Each piece is elegant and suitable for office or classroom, but still sexy and flattering enough to make you feel like a vixen! Everything is handmade in British Columbia, and many of the items are even made from eco-friendly bamboo. I honestly can’t decide which ones I love the most.
This gorgeous drapey top is made from bamboo and is available in a variety of colours!
Perfect for pear-shapes, this dress is soft and sweet!
This dress is smokin' hot... pick your colours and make it your very own!
Cute and Comfy, this Girlfriend tee is perfect for any time/anywhere!
Best of all, Ureshii is currently having a summer sale! At the Etsy shop you can find things marked up to 60% off! As every girl knows, the only thing better than a great fashion find, is a great fashion find on sale…
You can also join Ureshii on Facebook and Twitter.
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
It’s finally feeling like summer in Alberta, so when I saw this lovely halter top from Tangente (pronounced like tangent, but in true Canadian style, Cathy chose to include a little french flair with the added “e”!) I definitely wanted to check out more of this designer’s collection!
Love the bold graphic
Cathy now lives in Ottawa but grew up in New Brunswick. She creates her own patterns and sews each unique piece herself, often including vintage fabric and scarves. I enjoyed browsing through her Spring/Summer 2010 collection on Etsy, which she also has available in a few independent boutiques.
That halter top above is really versatile – it comes with one of her vintage scarves, but you could switch it out for another of your own, or use a ribbon or fabric braid for a different look altogether. Very fun.
Here are a few more of my favourites from Tangente:
Love the gather on the hip!
Such a stylish twist on the standard cardigan
You can see more of Cathy’s designs and keep up with her at her blog and on Facebook.
Cheers,
~Sarah
